U.S. patent number 8,671,500 [Application Number 12/420,479] was granted by the patent office on 2014-03-18 for grill tool, associated pad, and associated methods.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Ecolab USA, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Brian P. Carlson, Joseph P. Kaper, Scott R. Limback, Christine M. Rock. Invention is credited to Brian P. Carlson, Joseph P. Kaper, Scott R. Limback, Christine M. Rock.
United States Patent |
8,671,500 |
Carlson , et al. |
March 18, 2014 |
Grill tool, associated pad, and associated methods
Abstract
A grill tool, a pad usable with the grill tool, and a method of
making and using the grill tool are disclosed. Such a grill tool is
configured for cleaning a surface while maintaining the surface at
a temperature up to the operating temperature of the surface. The
grill tool includes a tool head and a tool handle. The tool head
includes an attachment mechanism for removably attaching a cleaning
pad to the head so as to present a major cleaning surface and
opposite minor cleaning surfaces. The tool handle may be configured
to include handles capable of maintaining a user's hands
horizontally and vertically spaced apart along the handle.
Inventors: |
Carlson; Brian P. (St. Paul,
MN), Limback; Scott R. (St. Paul, MN), Rock; Christine
M. (Greensboro, NC), Kaper; Joseph P. (Bermuda Run,
NC) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Carlson; Brian P.
Limback; Scott R.
Rock; Christine M.
Kaper; Joseph P. |
St. Paul
St. Paul
Greensboro
Bermuda Run |
MN
MN
NC
NC |
US
US
US
US |
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Assignee: |
Ecolab USA, Inc. (St. Paul,
MN)
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Family
ID: |
41161589 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/420,479 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2009 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20090255075 A1 |
Oct 15, 2009 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61044454 |
Apr 11, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/229.11;
15/209.1; 15/228 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L
13/34 (20130101); B25G 1/102 (20130101); A47L
13/44 (20130101); Y10T 29/49826 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A47L
13/10 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;15/228,209.1,229.11 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2000-041934 |
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Feb 2000 |
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JP |
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2003-310515 |
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Nov 2003 |
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JP |
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Other References
613 Clamshell Grill Scraper, date unknown, Prince Castle, Inc.
Worldwide, IL, USA. cited by applicant .
Bear-Tex Surface Finishing Products, Hand Pads 325, date unknown,
pp. 106-131, web site, www.nortonabrasives.com, Norton. cited by
applicant .
Carlson et al., U.S. Appl. No. 29/306,624, filed Apr. 11, 2008.
cited by applicant .
Carlson et al., U.S. Appl. No. 29/306,625, filed Apr. 11, 2008.
cited by applicant .
Chemical Resistance of Vydyne.RTM. Polyamide 66 Resins, technotes,
copyright Mar. 2007, Solutia, Inc. cited by applicant .
David Cowen and David Zabrowski, AccuTemp Accu-Steam EG2083A36
Electric Griddle Performance Test, Application of ASTM Standard
Test Method F 1275-03, FSTC Report 5011.05.18, Food Service
Technology Center, copyright 2005, Pacific Gas and Electric
Company. cited by applicant .
David Cowen and David Zabrowski, Blodgett B36N-TTT Gas Griddle
Performance Test, Application of ASTM Standard Test Method F
1275-03, FSTC Report 5011.04.02, Food Service Technology Center,
copyright 2004, Pacific Gas and Electric Company. cited by
applicant .
David Cowen and David Zabrowski, Garland CG-36R Gas Griddle
Performance Test, Application of ASTM Standard Test Method F
1275-99, FSTC Report 5011.02.05, Food Service Technology Center,
copyright 2002, Fisher-Nickel, Inc. cited by applicant .
David Cowen and David Zabrowski, Garland Xpress XG-24 Double-Sided
Griddle Performance Test, Application of ASTM Standard Test Method
F 1605-95 (2007), FSTC Report 5011.07.20, Food Service Technology
Center, copyright 2007, Pacific Gas and Electric Company. cited by
applicant .
David Cowen and David Zabrowski, Jade JGTSD Gas Griddle Performance
Test, Application of ASTM Standard Test Method F 1275-99, FSTC
Report 5011.03.18, Food Service Technology Center, copyright 2003,
Fisher-Nickel, Inc. cited by applicant .
Food Service Technology Center Appliance Test Summary Report,
Garland Xpress XG24 2-foot double-sided gas griddle, Report No.
5012.08.24, copyright 2008, Fisher-Nickel, Inc. cited by applicant
.
Food Service Technology Center Appliance Test Summary Report,
Garland Xpress XE24 2-foot double-sided electric griddle, Report
No. 5012.08.23, copyright 2008, Fisher-Nickel, Inc. cited by
applicant .
H&K International Restaurant Equipment Systems Worldwide,
brochure, copyright May 2009, web site,
http://www.hki.com/brochures. cited by applicant .
H&K Norwood Chapter 4, Grill Area, date unknown, pp. 4-1-4-60.
cited by applicant .
Ides Prospector, Pro-fax 8523 LyondellBasell
Industries--Polypropylene Impact Copolymer, copyright Apr. 2009.
cited by applicant .
Ides Prospector, Vydyne.RTM. 21 SPF (Cond), Solutia,
Inc.--Polyamide 66 datasheet, copyright Apr. 2009, IDES. cited by
applicant .
Ides Prospector, Vydyne.RTM. 21 SPF (Dry), Solutia, Inc.--Polyamide
66 datasheet, copyright Apr. 2009, IDES. cited by applicant .
Moisture Conditioning of Vydyne.RTM. Polyamide 66 Resins,
technotes, copyright Mar. 2007, Solutia, Inc. cited by applicant
.
Pro-fax 8523, Polypropylene, Impact Copolymer, copyright Aug. 2008,
Lyondell Basell. cited by applicant .
Pro-fax 8523. Product Data and Technical Information, copyright
2007, Lyondell Basell. cited by applicant .
Scotch-Brite Cleaning Products Catalog, copyright 2004, 3M
Commercial Care Division, USA. cited by applicant .
Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices
and Appliances, UL 94, copyright Apr. 2009, web site,
http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/scopes/0094.html. cited by
applicant .
UL94 Explained, UL Flame Rating--UL94, copyright Apr. 2009, web
site, http://www.ides.com/property.sub.--descriptions/UL94.asp.
cited by applicant .
UL94 General Information, Fire Testing Technology Limited,
copyright Apr. 2009, web site,
http://www.fire-testing.com/html/instruments/ul94ad.htm. cited by
applicant .
Vydyne 21SPF/21SPG data sheet, Natural and Black general purpose
high productivity, copyright 2008, Solutia, Inc. cited by applicant
.
Vydyne nylon resins, Heat Stabilization of Nylon 66, copyright
2002, Solutia, Inc. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Wilson; Lee D
Assistant Examiner: McDonald; Shantese
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sorensen; Andrew D. Mitchell;
Shaoni L.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 61/044,454, filed Apr. 11, 2008,
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A grill tool comprising a tool head and a handle: (A) the tool
head comprising i. a first head end; ii. a second head end; iii. a
first surface between the first and second head ends; and iv.
surfaces opposite the first surface including at least two
portions, optionally substantially planar, proximate to the first
and second head ends and therebetween a first coupling member for
removably securing the tool head at a first end of the tool handle;
and wherein the tool head further comprises an attachment mechanism
including a pivotable tensioner for removably attaching a cleaning
pad to the head so as to present a major cleaning surface and
opposite minor cleaning surfaces, and (B) the tool handle
configured to include handles capable of maintaining a user's hands
horizontally and vertically spaced apart along the handle,
comprising: i. a first handle end having an end portion including a
second coupling member complementary to the first coupling member
and for removably securing the tool head at the first end of the
handle; ii. a second handle end; iii. a middle handle portion
extending upwardly and rearwardly at an angle from a plane of the
first surface of the tool head, the middle portion having a first
hand grip of the handle; iv. an extension handle portion
intersecting the middle handle portion and extending upwardly and
rearwardly at a steeper angle than the middle handle portion; and
v. a second end handle portion intersecting the extension handle
portion and extending downwardly and rearwardly to the second
handle end, the second end handle portion having a second hand grip
of the handle, and a first end handle portion extending upwardly
from the first end and intersects the middle handle portion.
2. A grill tool according to claim 1, wherein the attachment
mechanism further comprises one or more pad engagement members.
3. A grill tool according to claim 2, wherein the pivotable
tensioner of the attachment mechanism is at one of the first head
end and the second head end of the tool head and the one or more
pad engagement members are the other of the first head end and the
second head end of the tool head.
4. A grill tool according to claim 3, wherein the pivotable
tensioner further comprises one or more pad engagement members.
5. A grill tool according to claim 4, wherein the one or more pad
engagement members comprise a pin.
6. A grill tool for cleaning a surface while maintaining the
surface up to the operating temperature of the surface, the grill
tool comprising: a. a contoured handle; and b. a tool head capable
of withstanding a temperature up to the operating temperature of
the surface, the tool head removably, securely attached to the
handle, the tool head comprising: i. a first head end, ii. a second
head end, and iii. a surface between the first and second head
ends, wherein the tool head is configured to receive a pad that
wraps around the tool head to communicate with the therebetween
surface and provide a cleaning surface on the first head end,
second head end, therebetween surface, and a surface opposite the
therebetween surface of the tool head, wherein the tool head
comprises a base portion and a pad attachment mechanism that is
pivotally attached to the base portion the attachment mechanism
comprises a pivotable tensioner configured to wrap the pad around
the tool head wherein the end of the base portion of the tool head
opposite the pad attachment mechanism includes one or more pad
engagement members on the top side of the base portion.
7. The grill tool according to claim 6, wherein the pad attachment
mechanism includes one or more pad engagement members.
8. The grill tool according to claim 7, wherein the one or more pad
engagement members are configured to be in contacting communication
with a pad.
9. The grill tool according to claim 7, wherein the one or more pad
engagement members comprise pins configured to be inserted into
holes in a pad.
10. The grill tool according to claim 9, wherein one or more pins
further comprise a protuberance.
Description
FIELD
Aspects of embodiments and embodiments of the present invention
generally relate to a grill tool, associated pad, and associated
methods and, more particularly, to a high-temperature grill tool,
associated pad, and associated methods.
BACKGROUND
Grill cleaning tools are desirable for cleaning grill surfaces,
such as platen grills used in the quick-service restaurant
industry. It is desirable for such grill cleaning tools to be
capable of withstanding the operating temperature of the grill
surface such that the grill can be cleaned while it is in
operation.
Prior art grill cleaning tools and associated methods include the
grill cleaning tool 10 shown in FIG. 1. The prior art tool includes
grill tool handle 12, grill scrubber head 14, and pad 16. As shown
in the Figure, the grill handle 12 is an elongated linear member
that is attached to the scrubber head 12. The pad 16 is disposed
only on the top and bottom of the scrubber head 12.
Cleaning a grill surface, such as a platen clamshell grill, can be
a strenuous job. When the prior art grill cleaning tool 10 is used
to clean a grill surface, it is difficult, if not impossible, for
the operator to orient the grill tool 10 to clean the entire grill
surface, such as the back and sides of the grill which may be at
odd angles and/or in tight spaces. Particularly, the linear
configuration of the grill tool handle 12 makes it difficult for
the operator to orient the grill tool to reach the
difficult-to-reach areas of the grill without the operator's hand
touching the hot grill surface. Also, the configuration of the pad
16 on the head 14 inhibits the pad 16 from reaching those difficult
areas of the grill because the pad 16 is disposed only on the top
and bottom of the head 14, and not also on the sides and ends of
the head 14.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a grill cleaning tool
and associated pad that enables to the operator to orient the tool
to efficiently and safely clean grill surfaces, such as platen
grill surfaces.
It would also be desirable to provide a grill cleaning tool having
a removable pad that enables the operator to quickly replace the
pad on the grill cleaning tool.
SUMMARY
Aspects of embodiments and embodiments of the present invention
meet these and other needs by providing, without limitation, a
grill tool, a pad usable with the grill tool, and a method of
making and using the grill tool. Advantageously, such a grill tool
may be configured for cleaning a surface while maintaining the
surface at a temperature up to the operating temperature of the
surface. The grill tool may be capable of withstanding a
temperature up to the operating temperature of the surface. The pad
includes a material compatible with the grill tool. The material
facilitates delivery of the grill tool to the surface to facilitate
the cleaning of the soiled surface. As with the grill tool, the
material is capable of withstanding a temperature up to the
operating temperature during a cleaning of the soiled surface. In
other aspects of embodiments, the operating temperature of the
surface comprises up to about 232.degree. C. (450.degree. F.) or
more.
Some aspects of embodiments and embodiments of the present
invention are directed to a grill tool including a tool head and a
tool handle. The tool head may include an attachment mechanism for
removably attaching a cleaning pad to the head so as to present a
major cleaning surface and minor cleaning surfaces some of which
are opposite the major cleaning surface. The tool handle may be
configured to include handles capable of maintaining a user's hands
horizontally and vertically spaced apart along the handle. In some
aspects, the grill tool may further include a cleaning pad. In one
aspect, the cleaning pad may be any one of a metallic material, a
polymeric material, a natural material, or combinations thereof. In
another aspect, the cleaning pad may be any one of a woven
material, a nonwoven material, or combinations thereof. In yet
another aspect, the cleaning pad further may include an abrasive.
In still yet another aspect, the cleaning pad further may include a
cleaning composition.
Other aspects of embodiments and embodiments of the present
invention are directed to a grill tool including a tool head and a
tool handle. The tool head includes an attachment mechanism
including a pivotable tensioner for removably attaching a cleaning
pad to the head so as to present a major cleaning surface and minor
cleaning surfaces some of which are opposite the major cleaning
surface. The tool handle may be configured to include handles
capable of maintaining a user's hands horizontally and vertically
spaced apart along the handle.
In aspects of embodiments, the tool head of the grill tool includes
a first head end, a second head end, a first surface, optionally
substantially planar, and opposite surfaces. The first surface may
be between the first and second head ends. The opposite surfaces
may be opposite the first surface. Also, the opposite surfaces may
include at least two substantially planar portions proximate to the
first and second head ends. Further, between the first and second
head ends may be a first coupling member for removably securing the
tool head at a first end of the tool handle.
In other aspects of embodiments, the tool handle of the grill tool
includes a first handle end, a second handle end, a middle handle
portion, an extension handle portion, and a second end handle
portion. The first handle end may have an end portion including a
second coupling member complementary to the first coupling member
and for removably securing the tool head at the first end of the
handle. The middle handle portion may have a longitudinal axis that
may extend upwardly and rearwardly at an angle from a plane of the
first surface of the tool head. Also, the middle portion may have a
first hand grip of the handle. The extension handle portion may
intersect the middle handle portion and extend upwardly and
rearwardly at a steeper angle than the middle handle portion. The
second end handle portion may intersect the extension handle
portion and extend downwardly and rearwardly to the second handle
end, the second end handle portion having a second hand grip of the
handle. In one aspect, the tool handle further may include a first
end handle portion extending upwardly from the first end and
intersecting the middle handle portion. In another aspect, the tool
handle further may include a raised portion at an end of the first
hand grip toward the tool head. Such raised portion may be
configured to accommodate a biasing of a portion of hand there
against. In yet another aspect, the first surface between the first
and second head ends may be substantially planar. In still yet
another aspect, the middle handle portion, extension handle
portion, and second end handle portion may be contained in one
plane.
Some aspects relate to the attachment mechanism that may include
one or more pad engagement members. Other aspects relate to the
pivotable tensioner of the attachment mechanism that may be at one
of the first head end and the second head end of the tool head and
the one or more pad engagement members that may be at the other of
the first head end and the second head end of the tool head. In an
aspect, that pivotable tensioner further may include one or more
pad engagement members. In another aspect, the one or more pad
engagement members may be a pin. In yet another aspect, the one or
more pins further may include a one or more protrusions. In still
yet another aspect, the attachment mechanism further may include a
lock mechanism. In a further aspect, the lock mechanism may include
a locking tab on one of the pivotable tensioner and the tool
head.
In still yet other aspects of embodiments, the tool head may be
made using a first material, the tool handle may be made using a
second material, and the first material may be capable of
withstanding a higher temperature than the second material. In one
aspect, the first material and the second material may be injection
moldable polymers. In another aspect, the injection moldable
polymers may be any one of a thermoplastic polymer, a thermoset
polymer, alloys thereof, copolymers thereof, mixtures thereof,
composites thereof, or combinations thereof. In still other
aspects, the injection moldable polymers may be any one of a
polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide,
polyolefin, alloys thereof, copolymers thereof, mixtures thereof,
composites thereof, or combinations thereof. In still yet other
aspects, first material may be a nylon, alloys thereof, copolymers
thereof, mixtures thereof, composites thereof, or combinations
thereof and the second material may be any of one of a
polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), alloys
thereof, copolymers thereof, mixtures thereof, composites thereof,
or combinations thereof.
Still yet other aspects of embodiments and embodiments of the
present invention are directed to a grill tool for cleaning a
surface while maintaining the surface up to the operating
temperature of the surface. The grill tool includes a contoured
handle and a tool head. The tool handle may be configured to
include handles capable of maintaining a user's hands horizontally
and vertically spaced apart along the handle. The tool head
includes a first head end, a second head end, and a surface,
optionally substantially planar, between the first and second head
ends. Also the tool head may be removably, securely attached to the
handle. Further, the tool head may be configured to receive a pad
that may wrap around the tool head. In this manner, the pad may
communicate with the surface and provide a cleaning surface on the
first head end, second head end, therebetween surface, and a
surface opposite the therebetween surface of the tool head.
In one aspect, the tool head may include a base portion and a pad
attachment mechanism that may be pivotally attached to the base
portion. In another aspect, the attachment mechanism may be a
pivotable tensioner configured to wrap the pad around the tool
head. In yet another aspect, the end of the base portion of the
tool head opposite the pad attachment mechanism may include one or
more pad engagement members on the top side of the base portion. In
still yet another aspect, the pad attachment mechanism may include
one or more pad engagement members. For example, the one or more
pad engagement members may be configured to be in contacting
communication with a pad. To that end, the one or more pad
engagement members may be pins configured to be inserted into holes
in a pad.
In still yet other aspects, the base portion of the tool head may
taper in a direction from one of the first head end and second head
end to the other of first head end and second head end so that the
tool head is configured to be narrower than a pad at the tapered
end so as to accommodate side cleaning surfaces.
And still yet other aspects of embodiments and/or embodiments of
the present invention are directed to a method for making a grill
tool for cleaning a surface while maintaining the surface up to the
operating temperature of the surface. The method includes providing
a contoured handle and providing a tool head. The tool head is
capable of withstanding a temperature up to the operating
temperature of the surface. The tool head includes a first head
end, a second head end, and a surface, optionally substantially
planar, between the first and second head ends. Also the tool head
may be removably, securely attached to the handle. Further, the
tool head may be configured to receive a pad that may wrap around
the tool head. In this manner, the pad may communicate with the
therebetween surface and provide a cleaning surface on the first
head end, second head end, therebetween surface, and a surface
opposite the therebetween surface of the tool head. In one aspect,
the tool head and the tool handle may be attached in a removable
manner or an non-removable manner (e.g., permanent snap
fitting)
In one aspect, the providing may be injection molding. In another
aspect, the injection molding may be injection molding using any
one of a thermoplastic polymer, a thermoset polymer, alloys
thereof, copolymers thereof, mixtures thereof, composites thereof,
or combinations thereof. For example, injection molding may be
injection molding using, without limitation, any one of a
polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide,
polyolefin, alloys thereof, copolymers thereof, mixtures thereof,
composites thereof, or combinations thereof. In one aspect, the
injection molding may involve using a nylon, alloys thereof,
copolymers thereof, mixtures thereof, composites thereof, or
combinations thereof for the tool head and any of one of a
polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), alloys
thereof, copolymers thereof, mixtures thereof, composites thereof,
or combinations thereof for the tool handle.
Accordingly, some aspects of embodiments and/or embodiments of the
present invention are directed to a grill tool including a tool
head and a tool handle. The tool head may include an attachment
mechanism for removably attaching a cleaning pad to the head so as
to present a major cleaning surface and minor cleaning surfaces,
some of which are opposite the major cleaning surface. The tool
handle may be configured to include handles capable of maintaining
a user's hands horizontally and vertically spaced apart along the
handle.
Other aspects of embodiments and/or embodiments of the present
invention are directed to a grill tool including a tool head and a
tool handle. The tool head includes an attachment mechanism
including a pivotable tensioner for removably attaching a cleaning
pad to the head so as to present a major cleaning surface and minor
cleaning surfaces, some of which are opposite the major cleaning
surface. The tool handle is configured to maintain a user's hands
away from a grill surface while at the same time permitting a
cleaning of a plurality of facing cooking surfaces.
Yet other aspects of embodiments and/or embodiments of the present
invention are directed to a grill tool including a tool head, a
tool handle, and, optionally, a cleaning pad. The tool head
includes a first head end, a second head end, a first surface,
optionally substantially planar, and opposite surfaces. The first
surface may be between the first and second head ends. The opposite
surfaces may be opposite the first surface. Also, the opposite
surfaces may include at least two portions, optionally
substantially planar, proximate to the first and second head ends
of the tool head. Between the first and second head ends may be a
first coupling member for removably securing the tool head at a
first end of the tool handle. The tool handle may include a first
handle end, a second handle end, a middle handle portion, an
extension handle portion, and a second end handle portion. The
first handle end may have an end portion including a second
coupling member complementary to the first coupling member and for
removably securing the tool head at the first end of the handle.
The middle handle portion has a longitudinal axis that may extend
upwardly and rearwardly at an angle from a plane of the first
surface of the tool head. Also, the middle portion may have a first
hand grip of the handle. The extension handle portion may intersect
the middle handle portion and extending upwardly and rearwardly at
a steeper angle than the middle handle portion. The second end
handle portion may intersect the extension handle portion and
extend downwardly and rearwardly to the second handle end. As with
the middle portion, the second end handle portion may have a hand
grip (e.g., second hand grip) on the handle. In an aspect, the
second end handle portion may include a storing feature.
Still yet other aspects of embodiments and/or embodiments of the
present invention are directed to a grill tool for cleaning a
surface while maintaining the surface up to the operating
temperature of the surface. The grill tool includes a contoured
handle and a tool head. The tool head is capable of withstanding a
temperature up to the operating temperature of the surface. The
tool head includes a first head end, a second head end, and a
surface, optionally substantially planar, between the first and
second head ends. Also the tool head may be removably, securely
attached to the handle. Further, the tool head may be configured to
receive a pad that may wrap around the tool head. In this manner,
the pad may communicate with the therebetween surface and provide a
cleaning surface on the first head end, second head end,
therebetween surface, and a surface opposite the therebetween
surface of the tool head.
And still yet other aspects of embodiments and/or embodiments of
the present invention are directed to a method for making a grill
tool for cleaning a surface while maintaining the surface up to the
operating temperature of the surface. The method includes providing
a contoured handle and providing a tool head. The tool head is
capable of withstanding a temperature up to the operating
temperature of the surface. The tool head includes a first head
end, a second head end, and a surface, optionally substantially
planar, between the first and second head ends. Also the tool head
may be removably, securely attached to the handle. Further, the
tool head may be configured to receive a pad that may wrap around
the tool head. In this manner, the pad may communicate with the
therebetween surface and provide a cleaning surface on the first
head end, second head end, therebetween surface, and a surface
opposite the therebetween surface of the tool head. In one aspect,
the tool head and the tool handle may be attached.
Still further aspects of embodiments and/or embodiments of the
present invention are directed to grill tool for cleaning a surface
including a handle and a tool head. In aspects, the handle may be
configured to be capable of presenting at least a potion of a pad
surface to a perimeter of a grill surface so as to be capable of
cleaning the perimeter while at the same time the handle
substantially remains within a footprint of the grill surface. In
other aspects, the tool head that is attached to the handle may
include an attachment mechanism configured to do one or more of (i)
receive a pad that wraps around the tool head so that at least a
portion is capable of communicating with the grill surface; (ii)
provide one or more cleaning surfaces on one or more of a first
head end, a second head end, a surface therebetween, a surface
opposite the therebetween surface, or combinations thereof, (iii)
be away from the one or more cleaning surfaces so as to permit an
unobstructed communication between the one or more cleaning
surfaces and the grill surface; or (iv) combinations thereof. In
yet other aspects, the attachment mechanism may be configured so as
to capable of presenting the one or more cleaning surfaces while at
the same time being below the one or more cleaning surfaces.
Numerous other aspects of embodiments, embodiments, features, and
advantages of the present invention will appear from the following
detailed description and the accompanying drawings. In the
description and/or the accompanying drawings, reference is made to
exemplary aspects of embodiments and/or embodiments of the
invention. Such aspects of embodiments and/or embodiments do not
represent the full scope of the invention. Reference should
therefore be made to the claims herein for interpreting the full
scope of the invention. In the interest of brevity and conciseness,
any ranges of values set forth in this specification contemplate
all values within the range and are to be construed as support for
claims reciting any sub-ranges having endpoints which are real
number values within the specified range in question. By way of a
hypothetical illustrative example, a disclosure in this
specification of a range of from 1 to 5 shall be considered to
support claims to any of the following ranges: 1-5; 1-4; 1-3; 1-2;
2-5; 2-4; 2-3; 3-5; 3-4; and 4-5.
These and other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating a perspective top view
of a prior art grill tool;
FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing illustrating a perspective left, top
view of a grill tool with a tool head in a closed position in
accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating a side view of the grill
tool of FIG. 2 and the angles of contoured grill tool handle in
accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating a perspective bottom
view of the grill tool of FIG. 2 with the tool head in an open
position in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a perspective top view
of the tool head of FIG. 2 in an open position in accordance with
an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating a perspective bottom
view of the grill tool of FIG. 2 with the tool head in a partially
closed position accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing illustrating a perspective top view
of the grill tool of FIG. 2 with the tool head in a partially
closed position in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing illustrating a perspective view of
the grill tool of FIG. 2 with the tool head in a closed position in
accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing illustrating a perspective view of a
grill tool pad in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing illustrating a perspective view of
the grill tool pad of FIG. 9 as partially attached to the tool head
of FIG. 2 in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing illustrating a perspective view of
the grill tool pad of FIG. 9 fully attached to the tool head of
FIG. 2 in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 12 is a schematic drawing illustrating a side view of the
grill tool of FIG. 2 and how such grill tool may be oriented to
clean the surface of a grill in accordance with an aspect of an
embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing illustrating a bottom view of the
grill tool of FIG. 2 and other manners of how such grill tool may
be oriented to clean the surface of a grill in accordance with an
aspect of an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION
In the following description, like reference characters designate
like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in
the following description, it is to be understood that such terms
as "forward," "rearward," "left," "right," "upwardly,"
"downwardly," "horizontal," "vertical," and the like are words of
convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.
Referring now to the drawings in general, and FIGS. 2 through 13 in
particular, it will be understood that the illustrations are for
the purpose of describing one or more aspects of embodiments and/or
embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the
invention thereto.
FIGS. 2-13 schematically depict a grill tool 100 having a tool head
200 for accommodating a pad 300 for cleaning grill surfaces. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 6, the grill tool 100 may include
a contoured handle 102. The rear portion of the handle 102 may
provide a hand grip or hand location 102A for an operator to
position his or her first hand on the handle 102 in a natural and
comfortable position. A middle portion of the handle 102 may
provide an additional hand grip or hand location 102C for the
operator to position his or her second hand on the handle 102, also
in a natural and comfortable position. A ridge 102D formed by an
increased cross section of the handle 100 may provide a stopping
mechanism to promote proper positioning of the operator's second
hand and inhibit it from sliding down the handle 102 during use of
the tool 100. Also, ridge 102D may accommodate a transfer of force
from a hand to the tool 100.
Both the hand grip or hand location 102A and additional hand grip
or hand location 102C may include increased texture in the material
forming the handle 102, as discussed below, and may include a
gradual increase in the cross section of the handle 102 where the
respective hands may be positioned to further the comfort and
stability of the operator's hands during use of the tool 100. Thus,
placement of the operator's hand on the hand grip or location 102A
and additional hand grip or location 102C, respectively, may enable
the operator to gain leverage while using the tool 100 in a
comfortable position. With regards to a texture, in FIGS. 2, 4, 5,
and 12 at hand grip or hand location 102A and additional hand grip
or hand location 102C ellipses shown for areas 104 including a
texture portion for decreasing or stopping sliding. It will be
appreciated that the textured areas 104 may be any shape. Further,
it will be appreciated that the texture may be any that increases a
gripping friction of an operator's hand on the tool.
As shown in FIG. 3, the tool handle may be configured to include
handles capable of maintaining a user's hands horizontally and
vertically spaced apart along the handle. It has been found that to
maintain an ability to obtain effective leverage during use of tool
100, a spacing of a center of mass of hand grip or location 102C
and a center of mass of additional hand grip or location 102A falls
within ranges that allow an effective use in cleaning the variety
of surfaces that may be encountered on, for example, platen grills.
To that end, in an aspect a horizontal spacing (X1) between the
center of masses of hand grip or location 102C and additional hand
grip or location 102A may range from about 6 inches to about 12
inches, in another aspect may range from about 6 inches to about 10
inches, and in yet another aspect, it may comprise about 7 inches.
Likewise, in a further aspect a vertical spacing (Y1) between the
center of masses of hand grip or location 102C and additional hand
grip or location 102A may range from about 4 inches to about 10
inches, in yet a further aspect, it may range from about 4 inches
to about 8 inches, and in still yet a further aspect may comprise
about 5 inches. Further, it has been found that for a diverse
variety of users to be able to effectively use tool 100, a vertical
distance (Y2) from a plane of the tool head 200 to the center of
mass of additional hand grip or location 102A may be maintained at
predetermined value independent of the horizontal distance (X2)
from substantially a center of the tool head 200 to the center of
mass of additional hand grip or location 102A. To that end, the
vertical distance (Y2) may range from about 9 inches to about 11
inches, in yet a further aspect it may range from about 9.5 inches
to about 10.5 inches, and in still yet a further aspect it may
comprise about 10 inches.
Angles that handle portions and/or hand grip or location 102C
and/or additional hand grip or location 102A may improve the
ergonomics of the grill tool 100 over prior art grill tools and,
thereby, enable the operator to more comfortably and safely orient
the grill tool 100 while cleaning grill surfaces at a variety of
angles (e.g., a substantially horizontal grill surface, a downward
facing upper grill surface, grill surface perimeters, . . . the
like, or combinations thereof that may be encountered on for
example platen grills). In one aspect, an angle "A" of a
longitudinal axis of middle handle portion passing through the
center of masses of the hand grip or location 102C with respect to
a horizontal plane of major surface of the tool head 200 may be
dependent upon the horizontal distance (X2) from substantially a
center of the tool head 200 to the center of mass of additional
hand grip or location 102A. For example, if horizontal distance
(X2) is greater than about 13 inches, angle "A" may be less than
about 19 degrees. In contrast, if horizontal distance (X2) is less
that about 13 inches, angle "A" may be greater than about 19
degrees. In contrast, angle "B" of a longitudinal axis of second
end handle portion passing through the center of masses of the hand
grip or location 102A with respect to a horizontal plane of major
surface of the tool head 200 may be independent at the horizontal
distance (X2). However, in an aspect, angle "B" may range from
about 12 degrees to about 18 degrees, in another aspect, angle "B"
may range from about 13 degrees to about 17 degrees, and in another
aspect, angle "B" may comprise about 15 degrees. It will be
appreciated that a distance (X2) from tool head 200 to hand grip or
location 102A may be varied so as to accommodate a dimension of a
grill surface to be cleaned (e.g., for a shallower grill, the
distance may be less than that for a deeper grill).
In further aspects, an angle "C" and an angle "D" at hand grip or
location 102C indicate an amount that the longitudinal axis of hand
grip or location 102C may be rotated about the center of mass of
the hand grip or location 102C with respect a longitudinal axis of
middle handle portion passing through the center of mass of the
hand grip or location 102C. Angles "C" and an angle "D" may be the
same or different and may range from up to about 5 degrees. In a
similar manner in aspects, angle "E" and angle "F" at hand grip or
location 102A indicate an amount that the longitudinal axis of hand
grip or location 102A may be rotated about the center of mass of
the hand grip or location 102A with respect to a longitudinal axis
of second handle portion passing through the center of mass of the
hand grip or location 102A. Angles "E" and an angle "F" may be the
same or different and may range from up to about 5 degrees. It will
be appreciated that in addition to rotating about the center of
mass as described and shown in FIG. 3, the center of mass of hand
grip or location 102C and/or hand grip or location 102C may be
translated in any one or more directions of a three dimensional
orthogonal coordinate system (e.g., Y, Y-, X, X-, Z, Z-, or
combinations thereof). In alternative aspects of embodiments, the
center of mass of hand grip or location 102C and/or hand grip or
location 102C may be translated solely (i.e., without rotating
about the center of mass as described and shown in FIG. 3) in any
one or more directions of a three dimensional orthogonal coordinate
system.
The above-described handle portions, hand locations, and angles of
the contoured handle 102 may enable the operator to use the tool
100 in multiple orientations while diminishing the risk that the
operator may inadvertently touch hot grill surfaces. For example,
as shown in FIG. 12, the operator may tip the grill tool 100 either
forward or backward without the handle 102 touching the grill
surface 402A, 402B, and 402C.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3-8, the grill tool 100 of the present
invention may include a tool head 200 that may be securely, and in
one aspect removably, attached to the handle 102. The head 200 may
facilitate attachment of a cleaning pad 300 that may be wrapped
around the head 200 to create a cleaning surface on the front,
back, top, and bottom of the head 200, as described in more detail
below. In an aspect, the shape and configuration of the tool head
200 may enable the pad 300 to provide cleaning surfaces on the
sides 202A, 202B of the tool head 200 and thereby enable the tool
100 to reach grill surfaces that are at odd angles and that are in
tight spaces. Particularly, the right and left sides of the tool
head, 202A and 202B respectively, may be curved and angled such
that the width of the front end 202C of the head 200 may be a
smaller width than the width of the rear end 202D of the head 200.
When a rectangular shaped pad 300 is attached to the head 200, the
pad 300 may overhang the sides 202A, 202B of the head 200, as shown
in FIG. 11. Thus, when the operator uses the side of the tool 100
to clean a grill surface, the curved and angled sides 202A, 202B of
the head 200 may enable the flexure of pad 300 against the sides
202A, 202B of the head 200 to create an additional cleaning
surface.
The tool head 200 may include a pad attachment mechanism 210 that,
in an aspect, may be pivotally secured to one end of the base
portion of the head 200, such as the front end 202C, to facilitate
attachment of a pad 300 to the tool head 200. In one aspect of an
embodiment of the invention, the method of attaching a pad 300 to
the tool head 200 may include a hole and pin configuration. For
example, the top surface of one end of the tool head 200, such as
the rear end 202D, may include two pins 212 (one pin 212 on either
side of the handle 102), as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8. The
pad attachment mechanism 210 may also include two pins 214, and the
distance between the pins 212 and the distance between the pins 214
may be the same.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the pad 300 may be flexible and may have
a generally rectangular shape with semi-circular cut-outs 312 on
each short end. The pad 300 may also include two hole cut-outs 314
on each short end of the pad 300. The distance between the holes
314 on each end of the pad 300 may be the same as the distance
between the pins 212 and 214, respectively, on the tool head
200.
The pad attachment mechanism 210 may fluidly pivot from an open
position, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, to a partially closed
position, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, to a closed position, as shown
in FIGS. 2 and 8. This pivoting mechanism 210 may facilitate easy
and efficient attachment of the pad 300 to the head 200, and
removal of the same. Particularly, when the pad attachment
mechanism 210 is in an open position (e.g., which may range from
about 130 degrees to 270 degrees although it may be sufficient to
open just beyond about 130 degrees), the operator may be able to
attach one end of the pad 300 to the head 200 by inserting the pins
(either 212 or 214) into the holes 314 on one end of the pad 300,
as shown in FIG. 10. The operator may then be able to attach the
other end of the pad 300 to the head 200 by inserting the remaining
set of pins (the other of 212 or 214) into the holes 314 on the
other end of the pad 300. In order to secure the pad 300 to the
head 200, the user may then pivot the pad attachment mechanism 210
to a closed position such that the pad 300 fully wraps around the
head 200, as shown in FIG. 11. The action of pivoting the
attachment mechanism 212 to a closed position (e.g., operating as a
pivotable tensioner) may tighten the pad 300 as it securely wraps
around the tool head 200 to create a four sided cleaning surface
(e.g., first top, front, bottom, back, second top, the like, or
combinations thereof). In an aspect, each of pins 212, 214 may
include a protuberance 213 in the form of a small area raised above
the level of the surrounding surface to create a seat for holes 314
of pad 300 to help hold the pad 300 in place while reducing or
eliminating slipping during an attachment of the pad 300. In this
manner, the pad 300 remains secured on the tool head 200 while
loading.
In aspects of embodiments, the pad attachment mechanism 210 may be
securely held in the closed position with a locking mechanism that
includes a locking tab 216 that may extend upwardly from the tool
head 200. Such locking tab 216 may include a ridge that prevents
that pad attachment mechanism 210 from moving unless the locking
tab 216 is physically pushed towards the handle 102 by the operator
to release the locking tab 216 from placing pressure on the pad
attachment mechanism 210. Thus, the locking tab 216 may be rigid
enough of keep the pad attachment mechanism 210 from moving, yet
flexible enough to enable it to be easily moved to release the pad
attachment mechanism 210. By attaching a pad 300 to the tool head
200, as described above, the operator may be able to quickly secure
the pad 300 to the head 200 and release the pad 300 only when
desired.
The above-described grill tool 100, including a contoured handle
102, tool head 200, and a pad 300 that wraps around the head 200 to
create multiple cleaning surfaces, may enable the operator to
safely and comfortably orient the tool 100 to clean grill surfaces.
In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the
operator may stroke the grill tool 100 back and forth on the grill
surface to clean soil from the surface. In another aspect of an
embodiment of the present invention, the operator may use the tool
100 to clean a clamshell platen grill 400, as illustrated in FIG.
12. Particularly, the operator may be able to clean the tight space
where the top and bottom portions of the grill 400 are hinged. As
mentioned above, the contoured handle 102 may enable the operator
to tip the tool 100 back without touching the hot grill surfaces
402A, 402B. In the orientation shown in FIG. 12, the operator may
stroke tool 100 back and forth on the surface 402A to clean soil
from that surface. When an operator is to clean a soil from the
intersection of the grill surface and the grill back (e.g., seen in
the rounded gap in FIG. 12), the tool 100 may be rotated 90.degree.
about normal to the plane of the pad 300 from the orientation shown
in FIG. 12 so that pad 300 is flush with the grill and back
surfaces for a back and forth movement. Conveniently, although not
shown, the operator may invert the tool 100 and stroke it back and
forth on the surface 402B to clean soil from that surface. Again
not shown, the operator also may easily clean the sides 402C of the
grill 400 due to the pad 300 flexing over the sides 202A, 202B of
the tool head 200 to provide an additional cleaning surface when
the side of the tool 100 is used.
As shown in FIG. 13, in situations where the grill 400 is
positioned next to a wall or other kitchen furniture so that a
space between a side 402C and wall or other kitchen furniture, tool
100 may be oriented in a manner, for example, so that a top front
and/or top back surface of pad 300 communicates with side 402C. It
will be appreciated that these surfaces may be one of the left
and/or the right. Then, operator may stroke it back and forth on
the surface 402C to clean soil from that surface. An advantage in
such situations is that the contoured handle 102 of tool 100 may be
configured so as to be capable of being substantially maintained
within a footprint of, on one instance, a grill surface, and, in
another instance, within a footprint of an upper platen of a
clamshell grill.
It should be understood that the grill tool handle 102 of the
present invention may be formed of any durable material that may
withstand the operating temperature of a grill surface.
It will be appreciated that the operating temperature of the grill
surface may not be uniform. For example, the results of the testing
of the Garland Xpress XG-24 double-sided griddle ("Garland Xpress
XG-24 Double-Sided Griddle Performance Test" Food Service
Technology Center, San Ramon, Calif., FSTC Report No. 5011.07.20,
published December 2007, herein incorporated by reference, applying
ASTM F1605-95 (2001) Standard Test Method for Performance of
Double-Sided Griddles) show that the bottom grill surface, when set
to maintain an average temperature of about 176.degree. C.
(350.degree. F.), ranged from about 137.degree. C. (280.degree. F.)
through about 182.degree. C. (360.degree. F.). Also for example,
the results of the testing of the AccuTemp Accu-Steam EG2083A36
electric griddle ("AccuTemp Accu-Steam EG2083A36 Electric Griddle
Performance Test" Food Service Technology Center, San Ramon,
Calif., FSTC Report No. 5011.05.18, published December 2005, herein
incorporated by reference, applying ASTM F1275-03 Standard Test
Method for Performance of Griddles) show that the grill surface,
when set to maintain an average temperature of about 190.degree. C.
(375.degree. F.), ranged from about 187.degree. C. (370.degree. F.)
through about 193.degree. C. (380.degree. F.). Furthermore, for
example, the results of the testing of the Blodgett B36N TTT gas
griddle ("Blodgett B36N-TTT Gas Griddle Performance Test" Food
Service Technology Center, San Ramon, Calif., FSTC Report No.
5011.04.02, published August 2004, herein incorporated by
reference, applying ASTM F1275-03 Standard Test Method for
Performance of Griddles) show that the grill surface, when set to
maintain an average temperature of about 190.degree. C.
(375.degree. F.), ranged from about 137.degree. C. (280.degree. F.)
through about 198.degree. C. (390.degree. F.). And yet further for
example, the results of the testing of the Jade JGTSD gas griddle
("Jade JGTSD Gas Griddle Performance Test" Food Service Technology
Center, San Ramon, Calif., FSTC Report No. 5011.03.18, published
June 2003, herein incorporated by reference, applying ASTM F1275-03
Standard Test Method for Performance of Griddles) show that the
grill surface, when set to maintain an average temperature of about
190.degree. C. (375.degree. F.), ranged from about 157.degree. C.
(315.degree. F.) through about 201.degree. C. (395.degree. F.).
Thus, in aspects of embodiments of the present invention, the
operating temperature of the surface may comprise up to about
232.degree. C. (450.degree. F.) or more. In other aspects of
embodiments of the present invention, the operating temperature of
the surface may comprise from about 137.degree. C. (280.degree. F.)
through about 232.degree. C. (450.degree. F.). In other aspects of
embodiments of the present invention, the operating temperature of
the surface may comprise from about 157.degree. C. (315.degree. F.)
through about 221.degree. C. (430.degree. F.). In still yet other
aspects of embodiments of the present invention, the operating
temperature of the surface may comprise from about 171.degree. C.
(340.degree. F.) through about 205.degree. C. (400.degree. F.).
In aspects of embodiments, the tool head may be made using a first
material, the tool handle may be made using a second material, and
the first material may be capable of withstanding a higher
temperature than the second material. In one aspect, the first
material and the second material may be injection moldable
polymers. In another aspect, the injection moldable polymers may be
any one of thermoplastic polymer, a thermoset polymer, alloys
thereof, copolymers thereof, mixtures thereof, composites thereof,
or combinations thereof. In still other aspects, the injection
moldable polymers may be any one of a polystyrene, acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide, polyolefin, alloys thereof,
copolymers thereof, mixtures thereof, composites thereof, or
combinations thereof. In still yet other aspects, first material
may be a nylon (e.g., nylon 6,6 and/or capable of withstanding a pH
up to about 12.2 or more), alloys thereof, copolymers thereof,
mixtures thereof, composites thereof, or combinations thereof and
the second material may be any of one of a polypropylene,
polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), alloys thereof, copolymers
thereof, mixtures thereof, composites thereof, or combinations
thereof.
In aspects, the pad 300 may be any one of a metallic material, a
polymeric material, a natural material, or combinations thereof. In
another aspect, the pad 300 may be any one of a woven material, a
nonwoven material, or combinations thereof. In yet another aspect,
the pad 300 further may include an abrasive. To that end for
example, a pad 300 may be a nonwoven material made using polyamide
fibers (e.g., including, alloys thereof, copolymers thereof,
mixtures thereof, composites thereof, or combinations thereof)
bound with phenolic resin characterized to be any one of capable of
not damaging or scratching grill surfaces, such as, nickel plated
surfaces; suitable for use up to a temperature of about 232.degree.
C. (450.degree. F.) or more; capable of use with caustic cleaning
compositions (e.g., pH up to about 12.2 or more), . . . the like,
or combinations thereof. Examples of materials that may be suitable
for us as pads 300 include, without limitation, the line of
cleaning products disclosed in the SCOTCH-BRITE.TM. cleaning
products catalog dated 2004 from the 3M Commercial Care Division
(St. Paul, Minn.) or the line of hand pad products disclosed in
BEAR-TEX.RTM. surface finishing products section of the product
catalog from the Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc. (Worcester, Mass.) or
the line of hand pad products sold under the trade name
BRITERITE.TM. from Standard Abrasives, Inc. (Simi Valley, Calif.).
Such products may be die cut. In still yet another aspect, the pad
300 further may include cleaning composition.
The pad 300 may be a non-abrasive cleaning pad that is also capable
of withstanding the operating temperature of a grill surface while
it cleans the soiled surface. In one aspect of an embodiment of the
present invention, the pad 300 may be about 1/2'' thick. In an
additional aspect of an embodiment, the pad may be formed of fine
denier nylon fiber. In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the pad
300 may be cable of bending 180 degrees at about a 0.25'' bend
radius.
Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated,
all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction
conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are
to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term
"about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the
numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and
attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the
desired properties sought to be obtained by an aspect of an
embodiment and/or embodiments of the present invention. At the very
least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the
doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical
parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant
digits and ordinary rounding approaches.
Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting
forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the
numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as
precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently
contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard
deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Several tests were conducted to determine how well a grill tool 100
made according to aspects of embodiments of the present invention
might withstand the heat experienced in the cleaning of grill
surfaces. More particularly, tests were conducted to determine how
a tool head 200 of a grill tool 100 made according to aspects of
embodiments of the present invention might withstand the heat
experienced while cleaning a grill surface. In aspects, the grill
tool is for cleaning grill surfaces, such as platen surfaces (e.g.,
including, without limitation, three platen grills as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,941, US 2006/0201495, US 2007/0254078, and US
2007/0251518) used in the quick-service restaurant industry. It has
been observed that it can take up to about 45 minutes to clean such
grill surfaces.
As a result, it could be desirable for the grill tool 100 to be
resistant to incidental exposure to heat. The head 200 was molded
from a polyamide 6/6 with a melting temperature of about
260.degree. C. (500.degree. F.) (see e.g., Vydyne.RTM. 21SPF/21SPG
polyamide 66 resins Solutia Inc., St. Louis, Mo., USA) and a UL94
rating of V-2 (see e.g., UL 94, Tests for Flammability of Plastic
Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances Underwriters
Laboratories Inc.,
<http://www.ides.com/property_descriptions/UL94.asp>,
<http://www.firetesting.com/html/instruments/ul94ad.htm>, and
<http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/scopes/0094.html>). An
ability to withstand high temperatures is an optional property in
the selection of the handle 102 material. It is contemplated that
even though the handle 102 might come in contact with a platen, it
could be seldom. Thus, a polypropylene (see e.g., PRO-FAX.TM. 8523
super-high impact polypropylene copolymer resin, Lyondell Chemical
Company, Rotterdam, The Netherlands) was selected for the handle
102 material.
Both of the selected materials were used in the previous version of
the grill tool 10. The only recorded heat-related issue concerning
grill tool 10 was that the small hook and loop attachments melted.
As a result, grill tool 10 lost its ability to grip onto the
cleaning pads over time. Because the attachments were thin, they
were not able to provide resistance to the rated temperature for
the polyamide 66 resins. Thin features were avoided in the design
of the grill tool 100.
Different Incidental Contact tests were conducted to determine how
well the grill tool 100 would perform under thermal stress. These
tests examined how the first surface 204 of the tool head 200,
first or front end 202C of the tool head 200, and bottom of the
first coupling member 208A of the handle 102 (see e.g., surface
contacted by the line from item number 208A in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6)
withstood incidental contact of with a heated surface. Further
details are given in the following sections.
The goal of the Incidental Contact tests was to study the effect of
a brief period of contact of a specific area of a grill tool 100
with a hot surface on the grill tool 100. The specific areas were
contacted for 30 seconds against a hotplate surface (Model #731,
Cole-Parmer Instrument Co., Chicago, Ill., 04644 series digital hot
plate/stirrer) heated to 232.degree. C. (450.degree. F.). The
specific areas contacted against the heated hotplate were the first
surface 204 of the tool head 200, first or front end 202C of the
tool head 200, and bottom of the first coupling member 208A of the
handle 102 (see e.g., surface contacted by the line from item
number 208A in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6). Once cooled, each grill tool 100
was evaluated by first loading it in compression followed by drop
testing. Each grill tool 100 was loaded in compression by manually
applying a downward force to the handle 102 while the first or
front end 202C of the tool head 200 rested on a surface. Then,
using the same orientation, each grill tool 100 was dropped by hand
three times from a height of approximately four feet. Each grill
tool 100 was finally examined for any cracking, deforming, or other
heat induced effects.
Several grill tools 100 were tested in different orientations at
232.degree. C. (450.degree. F.) for 30 seconds each. In the first
orientation, three grill tool 100s were tested so that the first
surface 204 of the tool head 200 was flat against the hotplate
surface. The heat was enough to slightly melt the gate vestige of
the polypropylene handle 102. Other than that, heat effects were
minimal. The grill tools 100 all passed the compression tests. Only
one grill tool 100 did not pass the drop test. Upon impact, the
handle 102 broke in two places: the bottom surface of the handle
102 and part of the first coupling member 208A (see e.g., surface
contacted by the line from item number 208A in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6).
In the second orientation, two grill tool 100s were tested so that
the first or front end 202C of the tool head 200 was rested against
the hotplate surface. There were no noticeable effects caused by
the exposure to heat. Both grill tools 100 passed the compression
and drop tests. The final orientation was to rest the handle 102 of
one grill tool 100 on a hotplate surface. The handle 102 was
noticeably melted at the area of contact.
While typical aspects of embodiment and/or embodiments have been
set forth for the purpose of illustration, the foregoing
description and the accompanying drawings should not be deemed to
be a limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, various
modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention. By way of example, the pivotable tensioner
211 of attachment mechanism 210 may be on one of the back end 202D
or the front end 202C of tool head 200 and the tool head pins 212
may be on the other of the back end 202D and the front end 202C of
tool head 200. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism 210 may
include a pivotable tensioner at each of the back end 202D and the
front end 202C of tool head 200. In a further variation, the
attachment mechanism 210 may be on one or more of the sides rather
than the front and/or back. Also, locking mechanism 216, rather
than being a locking tab as illustrated in Figures and called out
in FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and 10, may be a turning mechanism. It will be
appreciated that any type of locking mechanism 216 that securely
attaches a pad 300 to the tool head 200 while at the same time not
interfering with an ability of the cleaning or working surfaces
(e.g., first top, front, bottom, back, second top, . . . the like,
or combinations thereof) of the pad 300 to communicate with the
surfaces 403A, 403B, 403C of the grill to be cleaned. Further, it
will be appreciated that the tool head 200 may be removably secured
to the tool handle 102. In such instance alternative heads for
different tasks (e.g., without limitation, a squeegee head, a
scraper head, . . . the like, or combinations thereof) may be
provided for interchangeably, securably attaching the to the tool
handle 102. Also, one or more safety interlock features may be
included to assure that a tool 100 dedicated to food preparation
and/or food preparation equipment maintenance remains so.
It should be understood that all such modifications and
improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness
and readability but are properly within the scope of the following
claims.
Item Numbers
100 grill tool
102 handle
102A second hand grip or location of second end handle portion
102A' second end handle portion
102B extension handle portion
102C first hand grip or location of a middle handle portion
102C' middle handle portion
102D handle ridge or raised portion
102E first end handle portion
104 texture area or region
106 storing feature
200 tool head
202A side of tool head
202B side of tool head
202C first or front end of tool head
202D second or rear end of tool head
204 first surface
206 opposite surfaces
208A first coupling member
208B second coupling member
210 attachment mechanism
211 pivotable tensioner
212 tool head pins
213 protuberance
214 attachment mechanism pins
216 locking mechanism (e.g., locking tab)
300 pad
302 major cleaning surface
304 minor cleaning surfaces
306 minor cleaning surfaces
310 minor cleaning surfaces
312 cut-outs (e.g., semi-circular cut-outs)
314 holes
400 clamshell platen grill
402A platen grill surface or grill plate surface
402B platen grill surface or grill plate surface
402C side of platen grill
* * * * *
References